Kurzfassung

Efficient preparation and purification of L-Tryptophan

Hintergrund

L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which e.g. is used as dietary supplement, as food additive and as a pharmaceutical. The synthesis is possible in different ways. A prominent method for its preparation is the biotechnological fermentation with microorganisms. The prepared raw Tryptophan still includes impurities and has therefore be purified before it can be used in the described areas. Known purification methods use the crystallisation effect of Tryptophan under change in the pH. In order to use this method, the fermentation broth has first to be treated with sulfuric acid to reach a pH below 2 and then the pH has to be raised rapidly by using e.g. sodium hydroxide to end at a pH around 6-8.

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Problemstellung

This process has several disadvantages. Besides the loss of acid and base in high volumes, the usage and combination of both come along with corrosive processes. Therefore, the construction and equipment has to be selected with respect to this. The corresponding salts have to be removed in washing steps from the crystals, too.

Lösung

The presented invention here avoids the usage of acids and bases and uses specific alcohols in a cooling process instead. The proof of principle has been shown in a batch and also continuous processes. The combination of process steps as solving of the product, reduction of solvent and cooling of the broth can be varied and show different effects of the characteristics and accessible yields of Tryptophan.

Vorteile

Acid and base free purification of Tryptophan

Easy handling of solvents

Up to 90% recovery

Reduction of waste material

Varied crystals under specific conditions

Service

PROvendis is offering licenses for the invention to interested companies on behalf of the Technical University of Dortmund. There is also the possibility of collaboration with the inventor.